HorsePower Builds
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Join the PowerNation Email NewsletterParts Used In This Episode
ATI Performance Products
Harmonic Balancer, Internal Balance, Aluminum, Black, 6.78 in. Diameter, Chevy, Each
Chevrolet Performance
Engine Block, Cast Iron, 6-Bolt Mains, 4.250 in. Diameter Bore, 1-Piece Rear Seal, Chevy, LSX Bowtie, Each
Comp Cams
Timing Chain and Gear Set, Adjustable, Double Roller, Billet Steel Sprockets, Chevy, 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0L
Crower Cams & Equipment Co., Inc.
Connecting Rods, Maxi-Light, 4340 Steel, I-Beam, Cap Screw, 6.000 in., Chevy, Set of 8
Jones Machine Racing Products, Inc.
Serpentine System, Performance Ratio, Aluminum, Black Hardcoat, Chevy, Kit
ARP
Bolt, qty 10
ARP
Bolt, qty 10
Comp Cams
Comp Cams, Billet Roller Cam Custom Ground to S.A.M. Specs
Comp Cams
Race Lifters
Crower Cams & Equipment Co., Inc.
Crower Custom Crankshaft W/4.00" Stroke
Diamond Pistons
Custom LSX Forged Aluminum Pistons Per S.A.M. Specs
Federal-Mogul Corporation
LSX Head Gasket, Right
Federal-Mogul Corporation
LSX, Head Gasket, Left, Fel-Pro
Ignite Racing Fuel
E-85 Race Fuel
Jesel Inc.
Jesel Sportsman Series Shaft Mounted Rocker Arms 1.75/1.7
Late Model Engines
Crankshaft Reluctor Wheel, Chevy, Small Block, LS, Each
School of Automotive Machinists
School of Automotive Machinists in Houston, TX (SAM)
Total Seal
Custom Ring Set Per Piston Specs
Xceldyne
Custom Titanium Intake and Exhaust Valves Per S.A.M. Specs
Episode Transcript
(ANNOUNCER)>> TODAY HORSEPOWER
HOOKS UP WITH SOME GEARHEAD SCHOLARS TO BUILD THE ULTIMATE
LSX TRUE STREET MACHINE.
IT'S GOT TO BE STREETABLE AND IT'S GOT TO BE RACEABLE, AND IT'S GOT TO MAKE BIG POWER ON THE DYNO.
(JOE)>> TODAY ON HORSEPOWER THIS LSX BLOCK IS THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BIG FOR US. IT PROMISES TO BE THE ULTIMATE TRUE STREET RACE ENGINE. TRUE STREET IS A FASCINATING RACE CLASS WHERE ALL CARS HAVE TO BE STREET LEGAL AND QUALIFY FOR EACH EVENT WITH A 30 MILE ROAD TRIP.
THEN AFTER A SHORT COOL DOWN IN THE STAGING LANES, HOODS HAVE TO STAY CLOSED FOR A SUCCESSION OF THREE RUNS ON THE QUARTER MILE STRIP. BEST AVERAGE ET WINS. TO GET STARTED BUILDING A WINNING TRUE STREET ENGINE WE'RE GONNA SEND THIS BLOCK OFF TO A SCHOOL WHOSE
REPUTATION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MACHINING KINDA PUTS IT IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. WHAT YOUNG GEARHEAD DOESN'T DREAM ABOUT WORKING WITH A TOP PROFESSIONAL RACE TEAM? SURE IT TAKES DESIRE, BUT YOU ALSO NEED SPECIAL TRAINING AND SKILLS THE RACING INDUSTRY DEMANDS. AND THAT'S WHAT A CENTER OF HIGH PERFORMANCE LEARNING IN HOUSTON IS ALL ABOUT.
(JUDSON)>> IT'S OUT THERE. IF YOU'RE MOTIVATED AND YOU GET GOOD TRAINING, OKAY, YOU CAN GO TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY.
(JOE)>> THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS LIVES UP TO ITS MOTTO, EDUCATION AND FULL SPEED. IN THE ENGINE BLOCK PROGRAM STUDENTS STUDY RACE ENGINE
THEORY AND THE SCIENCE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE.
(JUDSON)>> FEED THE OIL TO THE LIFTER GALLEY.
(JOE)>> WHILE ALSO ACQUIRING PROFICIENCY ON ALL BLOCK MACHINING TECHNIQUES. IN ANOTHER PROGRAM THEY TRAIN FOR PERFORMANCE CYLINDER HEAD MACHINING FOR THE RACE INDUSTRY. THEY LEARN THE ART OF MAKING HORSEPOWER IN THE PORTING
ROOM, ON THE FLOW BENCH, AND AT THE DYNO.
THERE'S EVEN A PROGRAM WHERE THEY CAN QUALIFY AS A FIVE AXIS CNC MACHINIST. USING MASTER CAM SOFTWARE THEY DESIGN CAD CAM MODELS AND EMPLOY CNC HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF HEADS AND BLOCKS. THE HUSBAND AND WIFE OWNERS OF SAM ARE JUDSON AND LINDA MASSINGILL.
YOU MIGHT SAY RACING BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER IN THE EARLY '70'S. NOW THEY'VE RACED AND WORKED TOGETHER FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. IN FACT THE TRUE STREET LSX ENGINE IS GOING INTO LINDA'S ALREADY FAST CAMARO RACE CAR.
THE COUPLE ONCE RAN A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE MACHINE BUSINESS WHERE JUD MAY HAVE TRAINED HIS EMPLOYEES TOO WELL.
(JUDSON)>> THESE GUYS, ONCE THEY GOT TRAINED, WE HAD MORE WORK THAN WE COULD EVER DO.
THEY WOULD GO OUT AND OPEN THEIR OWN MACHINE SHOPS. WE HAVE SEVEN IN HARRIS COUNTY HERE FROM OUR EXEMPLOYEES TODAY.
(LINDA)>> SO I SAID TO JUD, WELL JUD, IT SEEMS LIKE ALL YOU DO IS TRAIN. WHY DON'T WE OPEN A SCHOOL? THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE, YOU'RE A TEACHER. AND HE SAYS, WELL, YOU'RE RIGHT.
(JOE)>> SINCE OPENING IN 1985 SAM HAS EARNED A LONG LIST OF IMPORTANT CREDENTIALS, INCLUDING A RECENT NATIONALS SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD. SMALL WONDER THEN STUDENTS WHO APPLY MUST PASS A MECHANICAL APTITUDE TEST.
(LINDA)>> WE ARE NOT AN OPEN ENROLLMENT SCHOOL. THEY MUST PASS THE BENNETT MECHANICAL APTITUDE TEST. AND IF YOU HAVE MECHANICAL APTITUDE AND YOU WALK THROUGH OUR DOOR, WE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR THE MOTORSPORTS INDUSTRY.
(JOE)>> THE DAYS OFTEN BEGIN EARLY HERE. THAT'S BECAUSE EVERY STUDENT HAS A BONIFIDE PASSION FOR ENGINES, AND THE DRIVE TO EXPAND THEIR HIGH PERFORMANCE HORIZONS. BETWEEN CLASSES THEY'RE ENCOURAGED TO WORK ON THEIR OWN CARS AND ENGINE PROJECTS. ON WEEKENDS THEY CAN TRAVEL WITH THE SCHOOL'S CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TEAM, WORKING AS CREW MEMBERS FOR THE NMCA TROPHY WINNING '95 MUSTANG OR THE SCHOOL'S '99 CAMARO. LAST SEASON THIS CAR SET RECORDS FOR ET AND MILES PER HOUR ON THE WAY TO A YEAR END CHAMPIONSHIP. A FEW YEARS AGO JUD AND LINDA'S DAUGHTER KIM JOINED THE SCHOOL'S STAFF.
KIM HANDLES MARKETING AND PLACING GRADUATES IN JOBS WITH RACE TEAMS, RACE SHOPS, AND PERFORMANCE INDUSTRIES AROUND THE COUNTRY.
(KIM)>> WE ARE IN A POSITION, A GREAT POSITION, THAT WHEN OUR STUDENTS GRADUATE, THEY GET JOBS. IT'S ON THE RACE SIDE AND THE MACHINE SIDE, AND IT JUST
DEPENDS ON WHAT THE STUDENT WOULD LIKE TO GO DO AND WHAT HE'S PASSIONATE ABOUT.
(JOE)>> SO HOW COULD WE NOT WANT SAM AS A PARTNER IN OUR RACE ENGINE PROJECT, ONE THAT STARTS WITH MACHINING
THIS LSX BLOCK.
(JUDSON)>> THE CYLINDER WALLS ARE REALLY NICE, THE DECK'S THICK ENOUGH THAT IT HOLDS THE GASKET. ONCE WE PUT THE TORQUE PLATE ON THEM AND BRING THEM TO
SIZE THEY STAY THAT WAY ON THE FRESHENS. NOTHING MOVES AROUND MUCH AT ALL. SO THAT'S SHOWING US A REALLY GOOD CASTING.
(JOE)>> THIS IS THE WAY OUR LSR PRO PORT HEADS COME IN
FROM EDELBROCK WITH LOTS OF EXTRA MATERIAL HERE IN THE PORT AREA, AND OF COURSE HERE TO MACHINE IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBERS. NOW THIS IS THE WAY THE RACE ENGINE BUILDERS LIKE TO GET THEM, READY FOR LOTS OF OPTIONS AND LOTS OF HORSEPOWER.
(SHAWN)>> WE KIND OF START OUT WITH THE VALVE GUIDE BECAUSE ALL OF OUR VALVE JOBS, CUTTING IN FOR A FALSE SEAT, BASICALLY EVEN PORTING IT IS ALL LOCATED OFF THAT. ALRIGHT, NOW WE'VE GOT OUR SEAT INSTALLED, WE'RE GONNA CONTINUE WITH OUR VALVE JOB.
(JOE)>> SHAWN HOOPER'S A SAM GRADUATE WHO
TEACHES CYLINDER HEADS. WITH STUDENTS WATCHING AND LEARNING, HE'LL COMPLETELY MACHINE ONE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND ONE INTAKE EXHAUST PORT BEFORE THE HEAD GOES TO THE CNC ROOM.
(SHAWN)>> THIS HEAD SHOULD FLOW 450 CFM. FOR SOME REASON IT'S OFF A LITTLE BIT RIGHT NOW, BUT IT'S CLOSE. SO WE HAVE TO TUNE ON IT A LITTLE BIT MORE.
(JOE)>> AFTER SHAWN'S SATISFIED WITH THE HANDY WORK, THE HEADS GO HERE WHERE A COORDINATE MEASUREMENT MACHINE AND A FERAL ARM ARE USED TO CREATE A DIGITAL COPY OF THE MACHINED PORTS AND COMBUSTION CHAMBER. WELL WE'VE GOT TO GO, BUT THE CNC MACHINE CAN DO ITS THING WITHOUT HELP FROM US OR EVEN A LUNCH BREAK. WHAT A GREAT START FOR THE ULTIMATE TRUE STREET RACE ENGINE, DESIGNED TO MAKE HORSEPOWER AND WIN RACES.
(LINDA)>> OF COURSE IT'S GOING TO BE A WINNER. IF THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT, WE'RE GONNA DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BE A WINNER.
(JOE)>> WE'RE BACK IN OUR HOUSE TO COMPLETE THE BUILD OF THE ULTIMATE TRUE STREET DRAG RACE ENGINE. JUDSON NOT ONLY BROUGHT US FRESHLY MACHINED COMPONENTS, HE BROUGHT SOME EXTRA HELP INCLUDING SHAWN, AND A RECENT GRADUATE FROM THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS. MATT GRISSOM WAS ON THE WINNING SAM'S TEAM THAT COMPETED IN THE ENGINE SWAP CHALLENGE AT THE 2011 HOLLEY LS FEST. MATT AND HIS FELLOW STUDENT TEAMMATES USED THEIR TRAINING,
SKILLS, AND DETERMINATION TO BEAT A TEAM OF OLDER PROFESSIONALS. WHILE HIS CONCENTRATION IN SCHOOL WAS BLOCK AND CYLINDER HEAD MACHINING, LIKE ANY GEARHEAD HE'S GOT A TOTAL PASSION FOR ENGINES AND HIGH PERFORMANCE.
(MATT)>> YEAH I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE AN OFFICE JOB. I LIKE BUILDING THINGS, I LIKE ASSEMBLING THINGS, I LIKE THINKING AND WORKING WITH MY HANDS. SO I FELT IT WAS A PERFECT FIT FOR ME.
(MIKE)>> THE GUYS AT SAMS INSTALLED ARP STUDS IN THE LS BLOCK, BORED AND HONED THE CYLINDERS, AND INSERTED BRONZE LIFTER BUSHINGS BEFORE THEY LINE HONED THE MAINS. FOR THE REST OF THIS KILLER PARTS PACKAGE A CROWER CRANK SHAFT, HYDRAULIC CAM FROM COMP, AND PISTONS AND PINS FROM DIAMOND, JESEL ROCKER ARMS, COMP LIFTERS, PUSH RODS, AND SPRINGS, AND XCELDYNE VALVES. SAMS MACHINED THIS AMAZING ONE OFF BILLET ALUMINUM RACING INTAKE INCORPORATING A FAST THROTTLE BODY. MORE ON IT LATER. ALL THE BEARINGS CAME FROM CLEVITE INCLUDING THESE FOR THE WELL LUBED MAINS.
THIS AMERICAN MADE 4340 CHROMOLY CRANK'S GOT A FOUR INCH STROKE WITH AN EIGHTH INCH RADIUS TO AVOID FLEX, AND IT'S BEEN HEAT TREATED. CROWER CLAIMS IT'LL HANDLE UP TO 1,800 HORSEPOWER.
TO INSURE IGNITION TIMING ACCURACY, WE'VE INSTALLED A BILLET RELUCTOR WHEEL MADE BY LME. A SAM'S GRADUATE DESIGNED IT USING A SINGLE PIECE OF STEEL, AS OPPOSED TO THE STAMPED, RIVETED OEM THAT HAS A POTENTIAL FOR RING SEPARATION. WE'RE HAPPY WITH THE END PLAY, SO ON TO THIS CUSTOM GROUND HYDRAULIC ROLLER CAM SHAFT. NOW IT'S GOT A DURATION OF 264 ON THE INTAKE,
274 ON THE EXHAUST AT 50. NOW WE'RE ALSO USING ONE OF THEIR DOUBLE ROLLER TIMING SETS.
(JOE)>> WHAT DO YOU SAY WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE REST OF OUR ROTATING ASSEMBLY? FOR RODS, THESE ARE CROWER SIX INCH MAXILITES HANGING A SET OF DIAMOND BILLET DISH PISTONS WITH THESE VERTICAL GAS PORTS.
NOW TOTAL SEAL SENT US A RING PACKAGE THAT'S LIGHTWEIGHT, LOW FRICTION TO FREE UP SOME HORSEPOWER. NOW CHECK OUT THIS. USING ONE OF THEIR SPECIAL TOOLS, THESE SHERLOCK WIRES INSTALL QUICKLY, EASILY, AND PAINLESSLY WITHOUT A CHANCE OF BENDING. AND ONCE IN, THEY WON'T ROTATE. AND WITH ONE PISTON ASSEMBLY IN THE FRONT HOLE WE CAN PROCEED TO DEGREEING THE CAM SHAFT. THEN INSTALL THE REMAINDER OF OUR PISTONS AND RODS. WITH SIX THOUSANDTHS BOLT STRETCH, WE'RE WITHIN THE ACCEPTABLE FIVE TO EIGHT RANGE. TO ACHIEVE THAT, WE HAD TO TORQUE THE BOLTS TO 85 FOOT POUNDS.
(MIKE)>> NEXT WE CAN DROP ON THE WINDAGE TRAY, ALONG WITH THE OIL PICK UP. AND AFTER SOME CLEARANCING FOR THE DOUBLE ROLLER CHAIN, THIS MELLING OIL PUMP CAN GO ON WITH THE PROVIDED SPACERS. THE TIMING COVER GOES ON NEXT. THEN THE REAR COVER, WHICH ESSENTIALLY BECOMES PART OF THE PAN RAIL. THAT'S WHY WE'RE USING A BAR, TO INSURE IT'S EXACTLY EVEN WITH THE BLOCK. USING CLAY, WE WILL CHECK FOR PROPER PICK UP TO PAN CLEARANCE. IT'S RIGHT AT A QUARTER INCH. NOW WE CAN DROP ON THE PAN AND THE TOP END IS NEXT.
(JOE)>> WE'RE BACK AND READY TO TAKE ON THE TOP END OF OUR LSX TRUE STREET MOTOR, WITH A TARGET OF NEARLY 800 HORSEPOWER, AND A BIG REASON IS OUR HEADS.
WHEN WE LEFT THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS OUR EDELBROCK PRO RACE HEADS WERE IN THE CNC MACHINE. HERE'S HOW THEY LOOK NOW AFTER SHAWN GAVE THEM HIS OWN PERSONAL FINAL TOUCH. NOW THIS SHINE IS GORGEOUS BUT IT'S NOT JUST FOR LOOKS RIGHT?
(SHAWN)>> NO, THERE'S QUITE A FEW THEORIES OF IT ACTUALLY MAKING A LITTLE BIT MORE POWER. SO WE TRY TO DO IT ON ANYTHING THAT WE'RE TRYING TO GET THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF EFFORT OUT OF IT. IT'S REALLY NOT YOUR TYPICAL LS ONE HEAD EITHER THOUGH BECAUSE IT'S A MAJORLY RAISED RUNNER, HEAD AND ALL THAT, AND IT'S A FULL RACE CYLINDER HEAD. SO THIS IS THE KIND OF STUFF THAT MAKES IT FUN.
(JOE)>> HARDENED STEEL TIP XCELDYNE VALVES ARE GOING IN THE HEADS. THEY'RE A LIGHT WEIGHT TITANIUM WITH MOLY COATED STEMS TO REDUCE FRICTION. HE'S KEEPING THE COMP SPRINGS IN PLACE WITH CASE HARDENED HEAT TREATED XTWO LOCKS. BEFORE THE HEADS THOUGH WE'RE DIPPING AND DROPPING IN A SET OF LS ELITE LIFTERS WITH RIGID ALLOY STEEL BODIES. THEY USE CAPTURED LINK BARS FOR MAXIMUM CONTROL AND DURABILITY. OUR HEAD GASKETS ARE FEL PRO PERMATORQUES WITH MULTI LAYERS OF STEEL. NOW WE CAN CAREFULLY SLIP OUR HEADS OVER THE STUDS, ADD WASHERS AND NUTS, AND TORQUE THEM FIRST TO 50 FOOT POUNDS, THEN 80 THREE TIMES EACH.
WE'RE USING A JESEL SHAFT ROCKER SYSTEM WITH STEEL STANDS RETAINED WITH ARP BOLTS. THESE TAPERED CHROMOLY PUSH RODS FROM SMITH BROTHERS ARE NEXT. OUR SET HAS BALL INS AND DIFFERENT SIZES FOR INTAKE AND EXHAUST. THESE ROCKERS HAVE A ONE POINT SEVEN INTAKE AND ONE POINT SEVENFIVE RATIO TO COMPLIMENT THE CAM GRIND. AND THEY'VE GOT A ONE EIGHTFIFTY PIVOT LINKED ROCKER BODY. IT'S USED A LOT IN NASCAR RACING TO REDUCE FRICTION BY NARROWING THE SWEEP ACROSS THE VALVE TIP. WITH THE VALVETRAIN FINISHED, MATT CAN INSTALL THIS SUPER DAMPER FROM ATI.
THEN WE CAN BOLT UP THESE VALVE COVERS THE SAM GUYS MADE OUT OF BILLET BEFORE PERSONALIZING THEM. TO SAVE WEIGHT AND FREE UP MORE POWER WE'RE USING A COMPLETE JONES RACING BELT DRIVE SYSTEM. THE SHORT STYLE ALUMINUM WATER PUMP INSTALLS FIRST, AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WITH A EXPANSION TANK ATTACHED. AFTER THAT THE VACUUM PUMP. SINCE DYNOS ARE HIS DEAL AT SAMS, CHRIS BENNETT CAME TO LEND A HAND FOR THE TUNING AND TESTING. HE ALSO BROUGHT A SET OF AMERICAN RACING HEADERS THAT FIT RIGHT UP TO THE LSX BLOCK. WHILE THE HOOK UP CONTINUES, HERE'S A CLOSER LOOK AT THAT INTAKE THAT FITS UNDER MOST HOODS WITH SMALL COWLS.
(JUDSON)>> WE TOOK AND RAN A SOLID WORKS CFD PROGRAM THROUGH THIS THING TO DESIGN THE BULGE IN THE FRONT HERE ON THE ENTRY TO GET AS EVEN AS AN AIR FLOW THROUGH THE MANIFOLD THAT WE EXIST, AGAIN FITTING THE CAR. WE THINK IT'S GOING TO BE GREAT. THE HEADS MOVE AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF AIR. AND FOR US NATURALLY ASPIRATED PEOPLE, WE DO HAVE A POWER
ADDER, IT'S CALLED RPM.
(JOE)>> AND WE'LL SOON SEE IF THE INTAKE AND ENGINE LIVE UP TO THEIR HORSEPOWER POTENTIAL.
(JOE)>> WE KNOW HOW THE RACING INDUSTRY WANTS TO HIRE GRADS FROM SAM, BUT THE SCHOOL'S REPUTATION HAS ALSO LEAD TO ITS INVOLVEMENT IN A MONUMENTAL SPACE EXPLORATION PROJECT.
NASA'S CURRENTLY BUILDING THE ORION SPACECRAFT, WHICH IN A FEW YEARS WILL TAKE ASTRONAUTS TO AN ASTEROID AND ONE DAY ONTO MARS. IT'LL BE THE SAFEST, MOST ADVANCED SPACECRAFT EVER BUILT. AND WHILE THE SHAPE MAY LOOK FAMILIAR, IT'S ANYTHING BUT. NASA'S BEEN TESTING ORION AROUND THE COUNTRY, MAKING SURE IT'S RELIABLE AND READY TO FLY. A GROUP OF SAM STUDENTS GOT TO WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH NASA ENGINEERS IN THE DESIGN OF A CREW MODULE MOCK UP, WHICH IS USED FOR ASTRONAUT TRAINING. NASA'S FIRST UNMANNED ORION FLIGHT WILL BE IN 2014,
3,600 MILES INTO SPACE AT SPEEDS OF MORE THAN 20,000 MILES AN HOUR.
BACK TO EARTH AND OUR PROJECT, THE SAM CUSTOM INTAKE INCORPORATES FAST COMPONENTS, 89.7 POUND FUEL INJECTORS AND A DUAL SPRING THROTTLE BODY. OUR E-85 FUEL CAME FROM IGNITE 85. THEY OFFER CONSISTENT 85 PERCENT ETHANOL WITH A 105
OCTANE RATING EQUAL TO OR BETTER THAN MANY PREMIUM RACE FUELS.
(SHAWN)>> YOU SAY YOU NEVER RUSH ON DYNO DAY?
(MIKE)>> YEP.
(SHAWN)>> YEAH, I DON'T EITHER. EVERY TIME WE PUT SOMETHING TOGETHER LIKE THAT, YOU GO IN THE DYNO AND YOU'RE KINDA NERVOUS TO SEE WHAT YOUR WORK REALLY IS GOING TO COME OUT TO.
(JUDSON)>> WE STARTED IN THE CLASSROOM TALKING ABOUT THE PIECES CHOSEN AND WHAT COMBINATION WE WERE BUILDING, WHAT WE WERE GONNA DO WITH IT, THE END RESULT.
AND TO SEE THIS COME TO FRUITION LIKE THIS IS GONNA BE A GREAT DEAL FOR THE WHOLE SCHOOL.
(MIKE)>> THE SOUND OF POWER!
(JOE)>> CHRIS IS MANNING A LAPTOP USING HOLLEY SOFTWARE TO CONTROL THE ENGINE'S PARAMETERS. HE'LL SET TIMING AT 29 DEGREES FOR THE FIRST RUN, WHICH WILL BE FROM 6,000 TO 7,500 RPM.
(MIKE)>> 729 AT 7,200, 568 AT 6,300. 729 HORSEPOWER'S AN OKAY START, BUT FAR FROM OUR TARGET. SO AFTER MATT PULLS A PLUG FOR INSPECTION, CHRIS WILL PUT A COUPLE MORE DEGREES OF TIMING IN IT FOR A SECOND PULL, AGAIN, UP TO 7,500. THERE WE GO, VERY COOL, 763 AND 580. NOW WE'RE GETTING SOMEWHERE, BUT BEFORE WE TAKE IT UP ON THE RPM SWEEP, ANOTHER PLUG CHECK.
(JUDSON)>> LOOKS PLENTY RICH, IT'S SAFE THOUGH, IT'S SAFE.
(MIKE)>> AND WITH A FEW MORE DEGREES OF TIMING, OUR FINAL PULL, FROM 6,000 TO 8,000. 785, 605, THAT'S GOOD, GOOD POWER, GOOD POWER.
(JUDSON)>> THIS WAS ONE THAT THERE WAS SO MUCH NEW TO IT, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, THE CANNED VALVE HEADS, THE E-85. USUALLY WE KNOW PRETTY CLOSE WHAT IT'S GONNA DO, BUT THIS
ONE HERE WAS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ANIMAL TO US.
(MIKE)>> NO ONE'S HAPPIER THAN THE LADY WHOSE RACE CAR WILL
SOON BE POWER BY THIS ENGINE FOR A ONE MILE TOP SPEED CHALLENGE.
(LINDA)>> IT'S GOING TO BE A REALLY GOOD ENGINE. WE'RE GONNA MAKE GREAT HORSEPOWER, AND I PLAN ON WINNING SOME RACES.
(JUDSON)>> WE'LL HAVE TO LOOK AT IT IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LIGHT RUNNING ONE FULL MILE THAN JUST
A QUARTER OF A MILE. THE ENGINE'S UNDER A LOAD MUCH, MUCH LONGER. SO IT WILL BE RICHER AND HAVE LESS TIMING FOR THE MILE.
AND WE WILL ACTUALLY RUN THE THING AT THE MILE, THEN LOOK AT EVERYTHING, LOOK AT OUR DATA ACQUISITION AND ALL THAT, AND SEE IF WE CAN SLOWLY GET A LITTLE CLOSER ON IT. I MEAN WE'D LIKE TO GET CLOSE TO EIGHT. SO WITH ONE CAM SELECTION AND ONE TUNE UP CONSERVATIVE AND
MAKE 780'S, WE'RE REALLY HAPPY WITH THAT. EVERYBODY DID A GREAT JOB ON THIS THING.
Show Full Transcript
IT'S GOT TO BE STREETABLE AND IT'S GOT TO BE RACEABLE, AND IT'S GOT TO MAKE BIG POWER ON THE DYNO.
(JOE)>> TODAY ON HORSEPOWER THIS LSX BLOCK IS THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BIG FOR US. IT PROMISES TO BE THE ULTIMATE TRUE STREET RACE ENGINE. TRUE STREET IS A FASCINATING RACE CLASS WHERE ALL CARS HAVE TO BE STREET LEGAL AND QUALIFY FOR EACH EVENT WITH A 30 MILE ROAD TRIP.
THEN AFTER A SHORT COOL DOWN IN THE STAGING LANES, HOODS HAVE TO STAY CLOSED FOR A SUCCESSION OF THREE RUNS ON THE QUARTER MILE STRIP. BEST AVERAGE ET WINS. TO GET STARTED BUILDING A WINNING TRUE STREET ENGINE WE'RE GONNA SEND THIS BLOCK OFF TO A SCHOOL WHOSE
REPUTATION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE MACHINING KINDA PUTS IT IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. WHAT YOUNG GEARHEAD DOESN'T DREAM ABOUT WORKING WITH A TOP PROFESSIONAL RACE TEAM? SURE IT TAKES DESIRE, BUT YOU ALSO NEED SPECIAL TRAINING AND SKILLS THE RACING INDUSTRY DEMANDS. AND THAT'S WHAT A CENTER OF HIGH PERFORMANCE LEARNING IN HOUSTON IS ALL ABOUT.
(JUDSON)>> IT'S OUT THERE. IF YOU'RE MOTIVATED AND YOU GET GOOD TRAINING, OKAY, YOU CAN GO TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY.
(JOE)>> THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS LIVES UP TO ITS MOTTO, EDUCATION AND FULL SPEED. IN THE ENGINE BLOCK PROGRAM STUDENTS STUDY RACE ENGINE
THEORY AND THE SCIENCE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE.
(JUDSON)>> FEED THE OIL TO THE LIFTER GALLEY.
(JOE)>> WHILE ALSO ACQUIRING PROFICIENCY ON ALL BLOCK MACHINING TECHNIQUES. IN ANOTHER PROGRAM THEY TRAIN FOR PERFORMANCE CYLINDER HEAD MACHINING FOR THE RACE INDUSTRY. THEY LEARN THE ART OF MAKING HORSEPOWER IN THE PORTING
ROOM, ON THE FLOW BENCH, AND AT THE DYNO.
THERE'S EVEN A PROGRAM WHERE THEY CAN QUALIFY AS A FIVE AXIS CNC MACHINIST. USING MASTER CAM SOFTWARE THEY DESIGN CAD CAM MODELS AND EMPLOY CNC HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF HEADS AND BLOCKS. THE HUSBAND AND WIFE OWNERS OF SAM ARE JUDSON AND LINDA MASSINGILL.
YOU MIGHT SAY RACING BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER IN THE EARLY '70'S. NOW THEY'VE RACED AND WORKED TOGETHER FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS. IN FACT THE TRUE STREET LSX ENGINE IS GOING INTO LINDA'S ALREADY FAST CAMARO RACE CAR.
THE COUPLE ONCE RAN A SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE MACHINE BUSINESS WHERE JUD MAY HAVE TRAINED HIS EMPLOYEES TOO WELL.
(JUDSON)>> THESE GUYS, ONCE THEY GOT TRAINED, WE HAD MORE WORK THAN WE COULD EVER DO.
THEY WOULD GO OUT AND OPEN THEIR OWN MACHINE SHOPS. WE HAVE SEVEN IN HARRIS COUNTY HERE FROM OUR EXEMPLOYEES TODAY.
(LINDA)>> SO I SAID TO JUD, WELL JUD, IT SEEMS LIKE ALL YOU DO IS TRAIN. WHY DON'T WE OPEN A SCHOOL? THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE, YOU'RE A TEACHER. AND HE SAYS, WELL, YOU'RE RIGHT.
(JOE)>> SINCE OPENING IN 1985 SAM HAS EARNED A LONG LIST OF IMPORTANT CREDENTIALS, INCLUDING A RECENT NATIONALS SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD. SMALL WONDER THEN STUDENTS WHO APPLY MUST PASS A MECHANICAL APTITUDE TEST.
(LINDA)>> WE ARE NOT AN OPEN ENROLLMENT SCHOOL. THEY MUST PASS THE BENNETT MECHANICAL APTITUDE TEST. AND IF YOU HAVE MECHANICAL APTITUDE AND YOU WALK THROUGH OUR DOOR, WE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR THE MOTORSPORTS INDUSTRY.
(JOE)>> THE DAYS OFTEN BEGIN EARLY HERE. THAT'S BECAUSE EVERY STUDENT HAS A BONIFIDE PASSION FOR ENGINES, AND THE DRIVE TO EXPAND THEIR HIGH PERFORMANCE HORIZONS. BETWEEN CLASSES THEY'RE ENCOURAGED TO WORK ON THEIR OWN CARS AND ENGINE PROJECTS. ON WEEKENDS THEY CAN TRAVEL WITH THE SCHOOL'S CHAMPIONSHIP RACE TEAM, WORKING AS CREW MEMBERS FOR THE NMCA TROPHY WINNING '95 MUSTANG OR THE SCHOOL'S '99 CAMARO. LAST SEASON THIS CAR SET RECORDS FOR ET AND MILES PER HOUR ON THE WAY TO A YEAR END CHAMPIONSHIP. A FEW YEARS AGO JUD AND LINDA'S DAUGHTER KIM JOINED THE SCHOOL'S STAFF.
KIM HANDLES MARKETING AND PLACING GRADUATES IN JOBS WITH RACE TEAMS, RACE SHOPS, AND PERFORMANCE INDUSTRIES AROUND THE COUNTRY.
(KIM)>> WE ARE IN A POSITION, A GREAT POSITION, THAT WHEN OUR STUDENTS GRADUATE, THEY GET JOBS. IT'S ON THE RACE SIDE AND THE MACHINE SIDE, AND IT JUST
DEPENDS ON WHAT THE STUDENT WOULD LIKE TO GO DO AND WHAT HE'S PASSIONATE ABOUT.
(JOE)>> SO HOW COULD WE NOT WANT SAM AS A PARTNER IN OUR RACE ENGINE PROJECT, ONE THAT STARTS WITH MACHINING
THIS LSX BLOCK.
(JUDSON)>> THE CYLINDER WALLS ARE REALLY NICE, THE DECK'S THICK ENOUGH THAT IT HOLDS THE GASKET. ONCE WE PUT THE TORQUE PLATE ON THEM AND BRING THEM TO
SIZE THEY STAY THAT WAY ON THE FRESHENS. NOTHING MOVES AROUND MUCH AT ALL. SO THAT'S SHOWING US A REALLY GOOD CASTING.
(JOE)>> THIS IS THE WAY OUR LSR PRO PORT HEADS COME IN
FROM EDELBROCK WITH LOTS OF EXTRA MATERIAL HERE IN THE PORT AREA, AND OF COURSE HERE TO MACHINE IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBERS. NOW THIS IS THE WAY THE RACE ENGINE BUILDERS LIKE TO GET THEM, READY FOR LOTS OF OPTIONS AND LOTS OF HORSEPOWER.
(SHAWN)>> WE KIND OF START OUT WITH THE VALVE GUIDE BECAUSE ALL OF OUR VALVE JOBS, CUTTING IN FOR A FALSE SEAT, BASICALLY EVEN PORTING IT IS ALL LOCATED OFF THAT. ALRIGHT, NOW WE'VE GOT OUR SEAT INSTALLED, WE'RE GONNA CONTINUE WITH OUR VALVE JOB.
(JOE)>> SHAWN HOOPER'S A SAM GRADUATE WHO
TEACHES CYLINDER HEADS. WITH STUDENTS WATCHING AND LEARNING, HE'LL COMPLETELY MACHINE ONE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND ONE INTAKE EXHAUST PORT BEFORE THE HEAD GOES TO THE CNC ROOM.
(SHAWN)>> THIS HEAD SHOULD FLOW 450 CFM. FOR SOME REASON IT'S OFF A LITTLE BIT RIGHT NOW, BUT IT'S CLOSE. SO WE HAVE TO TUNE ON IT A LITTLE BIT MORE.
(JOE)>> AFTER SHAWN'S SATISFIED WITH THE HANDY WORK, THE HEADS GO HERE WHERE A COORDINATE MEASUREMENT MACHINE AND A FERAL ARM ARE USED TO CREATE A DIGITAL COPY OF THE MACHINED PORTS AND COMBUSTION CHAMBER. WELL WE'VE GOT TO GO, BUT THE CNC MACHINE CAN DO ITS THING WITHOUT HELP FROM US OR EVEN A LUNCH BREAK. WHAT A GREAT START FOR THE ULTIMATE TRUE STREET RACE ENGINE, DESIGNED TO MAKE HORSEPOWER AND WIN RACES.
(LINDA)>> OF COURSE IT'S GOING TO BE A WINNER. IF THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT, WE'RE GONNA DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BE A WINNER.
(JOE)>> WE'RE BACK IN OUR HOUSE TO COMPLETE THE BUILD OF THE ULTIMATE TRUE STREET DRAG RACE ENGINE. JUDSON NOT ONLY BROUGHT US FRESHLY MACHINED COMPONENTS, HE BROUGHT SOME EXTRA HELP INCLUDING SHAWN, AND A RECENT GRADUATE FROM THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS. MATT GRISSOM WAS ON THE WINNING SAM'S TEAM THAT COMPETED IN THE ENGINE SWAP CHALLENGE AT THE 2011 HOLLEY LS FEST. MATT AND HIS FELLOW STUDENT TEAMMATES USED THEIR TRAINING,
SKILLS, AND DETERMINATION TO BEAT A TEAM OF OLDER PROFESSIONALS. WHILE HIS CONCENTRATION IN SCHOOL WAS BLOCK AND CYLINDER HEAD MACHINING, LIKE ANY GEARHEAD HE'S GOT A TOTAL PASSION FOR ENGINES AND HIGH PERFORMANCE.
(MATT)>> YEAH I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE AN OFFICE JOB. I LIKE BUILDING THINGS, I LIKE ASSEMBLING THINGS, I LIKE THINKING AND WORKING WITH MY HANDS. SO I FELT IT WAS A PERFECT FIT FOR ME.
(MIKE)>> THE GUYS AT SAMS INSTALLED ARP STUDS IN THE LS BLOCK, BORED AND HONED THE CYLINDERS, AND INSERTED BRONZE LIFTER BUSHINGS BEFORE THEY LINE HONED THE MAINS. FOR THE REST OF THIS KILLER PARTS PACKAGE A CROWER CRANK SHAFT, HYDRAULIC CAM FROM COMP, AND PISTONS AND PINS FROM DIAMOND, JESEL ROCKER ARMS, COMP LIFTERS, PUSH RODS, AND SPRINGS, AND XCELDYNE VALVES. SAMS MACHINED THIS AMAZING ONE OFF BILLET ALUMINUM RACING INTAKE INCORPORATING A FAST THROTTLE BODY. MORE ON IT LATER. ALL THE BEARINGS CAME FROM CLEVITE INCLUDING THESE FOR THE WELL LUBED MAINS.
THIS AMERICAN MADE 4340 CHROMOLY CRANK'S GOT A FOUR INCH STROKE WITH AN EIGHTH INCH RADIUS TO AVOID FLEX, AND IT'S BEEN HEAT TREATED. CROWER CLAIMS IT'LL HANDLE UP TO 1,800 HORSEPOWER.
TO INSURE IGNITION TIMING ACCURACY, WE'VE INSTALLED A BILLET RELUCTOR WHEEL MADE BY LME. A SAM'S GRADUATE DESIGNED IT USING A SINGLE PIECE OF STEEL, AS OPPOSED TO THE STAMPED, RIVETED OEM THAT HAS A POTENTIAL FOR RING SEPARATION. WE'RE HAPPY WITH THE END PLAY, SO ON TO THIS CUSTOM GROUND HYDRAULIC ROLLER CAM SHAFT. NOW IT'S GOT A DURATION OF 264 ON THE INTAKE,
274 ON THE EXHAUST AT 50. NOW WE'RE ALSO USING ONE OF THEIR DOUBLE ROLLER TIMING SETS.
(JOE)>> WHAT DO YOU SAY WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE REST OF OUR ROTATING ASSEMBLY? FOR RODS, THESE ARE CROWER SIX INCH MAXILITES HANGING A SET OF DIAMOND BILLET DISH PISTONS WITH THESE VERTICAL GAS PORTS.
NOW TOTAL SEAL SENT US A RING PACKAGE THAT'S LIGHTWEIGHT, LOW FRICTION TO FREE UP SOME HORSEPOWER. NOW CHECK OUT THIS. USING ONE OF THEIR SPECIAL TOOLS, THESE SHERLOCK WIRES INSTALL QUICKLY, EASILY, AND PAINLESSLY WITHOUT A CHANCE OF BENDING. AND ONCE IN, THEY WON'T ROTATE. AND WITH ONE PISTON ASSEMBLY IN THE FRONT HOLE WE CAN PROCEED TO DEGREEING THE CAM SHAFT. THEN INSTALL THE REMAINDER OF OUR PISTONS AND RODS. WITH SIX THOUSANDTHS BOLT STRETCH, WE'RE WITHIN THE ACCEPTABLE FIVE TO EIGHT RANGE. TO ACHIEVE THAT, WE HAD TO TORQUE THE BOLTS TO 85 FOOT POUNDS.
(MIKE)>> NEXT WE CAN DROP ON THE WINDAGE TRAY, ALONG WITH THE OIL PICK UP. AND AFTER SOME CLEARANCING FOR THE DOUBLE ROLLER CHAIN, THIS MELLING OIL PUMP CAN GO ON WITH THE PROVIDED SPACERS. THE TIMING COVER GOES ON NEXT. THEN THE REAR COVER, WHICH ESSENTIALLY BECOMES PART OF THE PAN RAIL. THAT'S WHY WE'RE USING A BAR, TO INSURE IT'S EXACTLY EVEN WITH THE BLOCK. USING CLAY, WE WILL CHECK FOR PROPER PICK UP TO PAN CLEARANCE. IT'S RIGHT AT A QUARTER INCH. NOW WE CAN DROP ON THE PAN AND THE TOP END IS NEXT.
(JOE)>> WE'RE BACK AND READY TO TAKE ON THE TOP END OF OUR LSX TRUE STREET MOTOR, WITH A TARGET OF NEARLY 800 HORSEPOWER, AND A BIG REASON IS OUR HEADS.
WHEN WE LEFT THE SCHOOL OF AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS OUR EDELBROCK PRO RACE HEADS WERE IN THE CNC MACHINE. HERE'S HOW THEY LOOK NOW AFTER SHAWN GAVE THEM HIS OWN PERSONAL FINAL TOUCH. NOW THIS SHINE IS GORGEOUS BUT IT'S NOT JUST FOR LOOKS RIGHT?
(SHAWN)>> NO, THERE'S QUITE A FEW THEORIES OF IT ACTUALLY MAKING A LITTLE BIT MORE POWER. SO WE TRY TO DO IT ON ANYTHING THAT WE'RE TRYING TO GET THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF EFFORT OUT OF IT. IT'S REALLY NOT YOUR TYPICAL LS ONE HEAD EITHER THOUGH BECAUSE IT'S A MAJORLY RAISED RUNNER, HEAD AND ALL THAT, AND IT'S A FULL RACE CYLINDER HEAD. SO THIS IS THE KIND OF STUFF THAT MAKES IT FUN.
(JOE)>> HARDENED STEEL TIP XCELDYNE VALVES ARE GOING IN THE HEADS. THEY'RE A LIGHT WEIGHT TITANIUM WITH MOLY COATED STEMS TO REDUCE FRICTION. HE'S KEEPING THE COMP SPRINGS IN PLACE WITH CASE HARDENED HEAT TREATED XTWO LOCKS. BEFORE THE HEADS THOUGH WE'RE DIPPING AND DROPPING IN A SET OF LS ELITE LIFTERS WITH RIGID ALLOY STEEL BODIES. THEY USE CAPTURED LINK BARS FOR MAXIMUM CONTROL AND DURABILITY. OUR HEAD GASKETS ARE FEL PRO PERMATORQUES WITH MULTI LAYERS OF STEEL. NOW WE CAN CAREFULLY SLIP OUR HEADS OVER THE STUDS, ADD WASHERS AND NUTS, AND TORQUE THEM FIRST TO 50 FOOT POUNDS, THEN 80 THREE TIMES EACH.
WE'RE USING A JESEL SHAFT ROCKER SYSTEM WITH STEEL STANDS RETAINED WITH ARP BOLTS. THESE TAPERED CHROMOLY PUSH RODS FROM SMITH BROTHERS ARE NEXT. OUR SET HAS BALL INS AND DIFFERENT SIZES FOR INTAKE AND EXHAUST. THESE ROCKERS HAVE A ONE POINT SEVEN INTAKE AND ONE POINT SEVENFIVE RATIO TO COMPLIMENT THE CAM GRIND. AND THEY'VE GOT A ONE EIGHTFIFTY PIVOT LINKED ROCKER BODY. IT'S USED A LOT IN NASCAR RACING TO REDUCE FRICTION BY NARROWING THE SWEEP ACROSS THE VALVE TIP. WITH THE VALVETRAIN FINISHED, MATT CAN INSTALL THIS SUPER DAMPER FROM ATI.
THEN WE CAN BOLT UP THESE VALVE COVERS THE SAM GUYS MADE OUT OF BILLET BEFORE PERSONALIZING THEM. TO SAVE WEIGHT AND FREE UP MORE POWER WE'RE USING A COMPLETE JONES RACING BELT DRIVE SYSTEM. THE SHORT STYLE ALUMINUM WATER PUMP INSTALLS FIRST, AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WITH A EXPANSION TANK ATTACHED. AFTER THAT THE VACUUM PUMP. SINCE DYNOS ARE HIS DEAL AT SAMS, CHRIS BENNETT CAME TO LEND A HAND FOR THE TUNING AND TESTING. HE ALSO BROUGHT A SET OF AMERICAN RACING HEADERS THAT FIT RIGHT UP TO THE LSX BLOCK. WHILE THE HOOK UP CONTINUES, HERE'S A CLOSER LOOK AT THAT INTAKE THAT FITS UNDER MOST HOODS WITH SMALL COWLS.
(JUDSON)>> WE TOOK AND RAN A SOLID WORKS CFD PROGRAM THROUGH THIS THING TO DESIGN THE BULGE IN THE FRONT HERE ON THE ENTRY TO GET AS EVEN AS AN AIR FLOW THROUGH THE MANIFOLD THAT WE EXIST, AGAIN FITTING THE CAR. WE THINK IT'S GOING TO BE GREAT. THE HEADS MOVE AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF AIR. AND FOR US NATURALLY ASPIRATED PEOPLE, WE DO HAVE A POWER
ADDER, IT'S CALLED RPM.
(JOE)>> AND WE'LL SOON SEE IF THE INTAKE AND ENGINE LIVE UP TO THEIR HORSEPOWER POTENTIAL.
(JOE)>> WE KNOW HOW THE RACING INDUSTRY WANTS TO HIRE GRADS FROM SAM, BUT THE SCHOOL'S REPUTATION HAS ALSO LEAD TO ITS INVOLVEMENT IN A MONUMENTAL SPACE EXPLORATION PROJECT.
NASA'S CURRENTLY BUILDING THE ORION SPACECRAFT, WHICH IN A FEW YEARS WILL TAKE ASTRONAUTS TO AN ASTEROID AND ONE DAY ONTO MARS. IT'LL BE THE SAFEST, MOST ADVANCED SPACECRAFT EVER BUILT. AND WHILE THE SHAPE MAY LOOK FAMILIAR, IT'S ANYTHING BUT. NASA'S BEEN TESTING ORION AROUND THE COUNTRY, MAKING SURE IT'S RELIABLE AND READY TO FLY. A GROUP OF SAM STUDENTS GOT TO WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH NASA ENGINEERS IN THE DESIGN OF A CREW MODULE MOCK UP, WHICH IS USED FOR ASTRONAUT TRAINING. NASA'S FIRST UNMANNED ORION FLIGHT WILL BE IN 2014,
3,600 MILES INTO SPACE AT SPEEDS OF MORE THAN 20,000 MILES AN HOUR.
BACK TO EARTH AND OUR PROJECT, THE SAM CUSTOM INTAKE INCORPORATES FAST COMPONENTS, 89.7 POUND FUEL INJECTORS AND A DUAL SPRING THROTTLE BODY. OUR E-85 FUEL CAME FROM IGNITE 85. THEY OFFER CONSISTENT 85 PERCENT ETHANOL WITH A 105
OCTANE RATING EQUAL TO OR BETTER THAN MANY PREMIUM RACE FUELS.
(SHAWN)>> YOU SAY YOU NEVER RUSH ON DYNO DAY?
(MIKE)>> YEP.
(SHAWN)>> YEAH, I DON'T EITHER. EVERY TIME WE PUT SOMETHING TOGETHER LIKE THAT, YOU GO IN THE DYNO AND YOU'RE KINDA NERVOUS TO SEE WHAT YOUR WORK REALLY IS GOING TO COME OUT TO.
(JUDSON)>> WE STARTED IN THE CLASSROOM TALKING ABOUT THE PIECES CHOSEN AND WHAT COMBINATION WE WERE BUILDING, WHAT WE WERE GONNA DO WITH IT, THE END RESULT.
AND TO SEE THIS COME TO FRUITION LIKE THIS IS GONNA BE A GREAT DEAL FOR THE WHOLE SCHOOL.
(MIKE)>> THE SOUND OF POWER!
(JOE)>> CHRIS IS MANNING A LAPTOP USING HOLLEY SOFTWARE TO CONTROL THE ENGINE'S PARAMETERS. HE'LL SET TIMING AT 29 DEGREES FOR THE FIRST RUN, WHICH WILL BE FROM 6,000 TO 7,500 RPM.
(MIKE)>> 729 AT 7,200, 568 AT 6,300. 729 HORSEPOWER'S AN OKAY START, BUT FAR FROM OUR TARGET. SO AFTER MATT PULLS A PLUG FOR INSPECTION, CHRIS WILL PUT A COUPLE MORE DEGREES OF TIMING IN IT FOR A SECOND PULL, AGAIN, UP TO 7,500. THERE WE GO, VERY COOL, 763 AND 580. NOW WE'RE GETTING SOMEWHERE, BUT BEFORE WE TAKE IT UP ON THE RPM SWEEP, ANOTHER PLUG CHECK.
(JUDSON)>> LOOKS PLENTY RICH, IT'S SAFE THOUGH, IT'S SAFE.
(MIKE)>> AND WITH A FEW MORE DEGREES OF TIMING, OUR FINAL PULL, FROM 6,000 TO 8,000. 785, 605, THAT'S GOOD, GOOD POWER, GOOD POWER.
(JUDSON)>> THIS WAS ONE THAT THERE WAS SO MUCH NEW TO IT, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, THE CANNED VALVE HEADS, THE E-85. USUALLY WE KNOW PRETTY CLOSE WHAT IT'S GONNA DO, BUT THIS
ONE HERE WAS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ANIMAL TO US.
(MIKE)>> NO ONE'S HAPPIER THAN THE LADY WHOSE RACE CAR WILL
SOON BE POWER BY THIS ENGINE FOR A ONE MILE TOP SPEED CHALLENGE.
(LINDA)>> IT'S GOING TO BE A REALLY GOOD ENGINE. WE'RE GONNA MAKE GREAT HORSEPOWER, AND I PLAN ON WINNING SOME RACES.
(JUDSON)>> WE'LL HAVE TO LOOK AT IT IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LIGHT RUNNING ONE FULL MILE THAN JUST
A QUARTER OF A MILE. THE ENGINE'S UNDER A LOAD MUCH, MUCH LONGER. SO IT WILL BE RICHER AND HAVE LESS TIMING FOR THE MILE.
AND WE WILL ACTUALLY RUN THE THING AT THE MILE, THEN LOOK AT EVERYTHING, LOOK AT OUR DATA ACQUISITION AND ALL THAT, AND SEE IF WE CAN SLOWLY GET A LITTLE CLOSER ON IT. I MEAN WE'D LIKE TO GET CLOSE TO EIGHT. SO WITH ONE CAM SELECTION AND ONE TUNE UP CONSERVATIVE AND
MAKE 780'S, WE'RE REALLY HAPPY WITH THAT. EVERYBODY DID A GREAT JOB ON THIS THING.